+1 831-622-7766
Nestled in the charming village of Carmel-By-The-Sea, Dametra Cafe stands as a vibrant culinary gem offering an eclectic fusion of Mediterranean and European flavors. As a Greek, Lebanese, Syrian, Italian, and gyro restaurant all in one, Dametra Cafe invites you on a rich, sensory journey through some of the region’s most beloved dishes, beautifully crafted with authentic ingredients and expert care.
Step inside and you’re immediately enveloped by an atmosphere that effortlessly blends warmth and lively charm — highlighted by engaging live entertainment and the buzz of happy diners, making every visit feel like a special occasion. The aroma of freshly baked bread alone is enough to transport you, setting the stage for a meal that promises delight at every turn.
Dametra Cafe’s menu is a treasure trove for food lovers seeking diversity and depth. The Greek Combination Platter offers a hearty sampler of classic favorites, while the Jerusalem Kafta Kebab Wrap bursts with smoky, spiced flavors wrapped in soft pita. For seafood enthusiasts, the Grilled Jumbo Prawns and Fisherman’s Cioppino deliver exquisite freshness, kissed by bright lemon and fragrant herbs. Pasta lovers aren't left behind with Italian options like the sumptuous Lasagna Mamma Mia and delicate Shrimp and Crab Ravioli, each dish layered with rich, comforting sauces.
One cannot discuss Dametra without raving about their desserts — the complementary Baklava is a customer favorite, offering flaky, honey-drenched sweetness that perfectly caps off a meal. As shared by delighted guest Prinal R Patel, the food here isn’t just a meal, but an experience; the creamy, textured Baba Ghanoush and perfectly tender Greek-style lamb shank leave a lasting impression that beckons a return.
The beverage selection is thoughtfully curated to complement the diverse menu. Wine connoisseurs will appreciate standout bottles like the robust 2019 CLINE Zinfandel and the elegant 2017 Ferrari Carano Chardonnay, while beer fans can savor international brews including Erdinger’s non-alcoholic option and Lebanon’s Almaza. The bar also features refreshing, well-crafted sangrias and inventive mocktails that, as Lucy recounts, make choosing just one nearly impossible.
Guests consistently praise the generous portions in relation to price, the authentic and bright flavors, and the seamless blend of cultures on the plate. Michelle V highlights the impeccable service and the sheer joy of freshly baked hot bread, while Charlie Liu admires the value and presentation, naming the baba ghanoush and lamb shank as standouts.
Whether you're drawn by the lively, music-filled ambiance or the promise of authentic Mediterranean delights, Dametra Cafe is a must-visit destination in Carmel. It’s a place where every dish feels lovingly crafted and every visit feels like coming home to a festive, welcoming family gathering. Trust that a meal here will not only satisfy your palate but nourish your soul with warmth and genuine hospitality.
Everything we ordered was so good! • Damascus Labneh Cheese – Homemade labneh with za’atar pita, olives, and tomato wedges. Excellent — I could’ve made a whole meal out of just this dish. • Dametra Insalate – Fresh greens with apple, walnuts, Gorgonzola, and grilled chicken. The fig balsamic dressing was amazing. • Grilled Jumbo Prawns – Cooked perfectly and full of flavor with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and parsley. • Greek Chicken Kebab – Juicy, tender chicken skewers with garlic lemon aioli over rice and a Greek salad. • Dametra Paella – Generous portion packed with seafood, chicken, and sausage. So flavorful! The food, service, and atmosphere were all great. Such a fun and cozy spot — definitely worth a visit when in Carmel!
We walked in without a reservation and we were seated immediately. If all they served was their hot fresh bread, I would have still been in heaven! Absolutely delicious, rich, flavorful food. Order everything and stay for the entertainment. Can't wait to go back with a bigger appetite.
Everything was delicious, well-cooked, and the portions were generous for the price! The Hummus Combination was excellent — especially the Baba Ghanoush, which is different from what I had before and it’s really outstanding, creamy but still have texture, I loved. The Lamb Shank was perfectly tender, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Overall, a great meal with amazing value and authentic flavors
This place is so authentic and mouthwatering delicious! After viewing the beautiful ocean in Carmel we stopped for a bite to eat and I was so pleasantly surprised at the flavors and options available here. My mother in law ordered the lasagna- probably my favorite thing from here- the tomato sauce was a little sweet and seasoned to perfection. My husband had the paella which burst with flavor from the mussels, shrimp, and oysters, sausage and chicken and I had the halibut with a great crust on it. The bread and oil was delicious and our service was outstanding! They had a love singer/musician whose performance was top tier! Thoroughly enjoyed this experience!
From our entire NorCal trip, Dametra Cafe has been the most fun place we discovered. We were walking around town after dinner when we heard music and saw people dancing through the restaurant window. We ended up going in and grabbing seats at the bar. Amir was so friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. I had the hardest time choosing a mocktail because I truly wanted to try them all. Even though we had already eaten dinner, we still had to enjoy a little taste of their Mediterranean food. Once the music started, everyone got up to dance. The singer has such a beautiful voice. The vibe in this place is unmatched. If we make this trip again, we are absolutely coming here for dinner.
We dropped in for lunch today and sat at the bar toward the back to enjoy the view of the colorful decor. We shared the delicious Greek Salad and the Vegetable sandwich. Both were generous & flavorful! We did not order dessert but they gave us their baklava that was to die for! We highly recommend you try it yourself and don't forget the Baklava!
All around excellent experience and will be back again. The food- excellent. Just wanted to get that out first. Big platters of fresh delicious food. We got the combo platter and I was stuffed at the end of it. Highly recommend. The service was top notch as well. The servers were very nice and accommodating and really made sure you you were taken care of. The atmosphere of the place was so fun and exciting! They have live music which was actually pretty good, but it also kept the vibes chill and light. Overall it was a great time. Oh and the dessert was so good. This restaurant is a must visit.
I recently visited Dametra Cafe and had an amazing experience. The atmosphere is warm, lively, and welcoming, making you feel at home right away. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, always making sure everything is perfect. The food was absolutely delicious, full of flavor and beautifully presented. I especially enjoyed the Mediterranean dishes, which tasted fresh and authentic. The live music and entertainment created such a fun and unique vibe. Overall, this is a place I would happily come back to and highly recommend to anyone visiting Carmel.